Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # The Wellington Society Of Madrid History, wine and tapas walking tours in Madrid, Toledo and Segovia and beyond ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://wellsoc.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Pages - [Stephen Drake-Jones Madrid](https://wellsoc.org/) - Small-group Madrid walking tours led personally by historian Stephen Drake-Jones. History, tapas & wine — no scripts, no crowds, just Madrid - [Talavera Monument History](https://wellsoc.org/talavera-monument-history/) - The singular story from its origins to its unveiling By Stephen Drake-Jones Tuesday, 2 October, 1990, started with a light breeze and sunshine over the quiet ceramic town of Talavera de la Reina, 115 kilometers west of Madrid. The newly opened motorway above the town now took all the traffic; a constant flow of heavy-laden - [Old Home Page](https://wellsoc.org/welcome-to-the-wellington-society-of-madrid/) - Discover Madrid’s dark history, hidden legends, and culinary delights with immersive tours. Join the Wellington Society for an unforgetable experiences. - [Madrid Walking Tours](https://wellsoc.org/tour/madrid-walking-tours/) - Themed Walking Tours of Madrid's history with wine and tapas stops. Contact Chairman for suggestions. Entertaining and informative. - [Peninsular War Battlefield Tours](https://wellsoc.org/pw-battlefield-tours/) - Our Battlefield Tours Are Just Right For YouThere is no typical battlefield tourist. Our guests are of all ages and from different backgrounds. Some are more knowledgeable than others. Some are hoping to visit particularly battlefields, while others are looking for suggestions on how best to use their time on tourBecause of this, all of - [The Morning Stroll](https://wellsoc.org/tour/madrid-walking-tours/the-morning-stroll/) - Join our Morning Stroll in Madrid with historian Stephen Drake-Jones. Discover history, characters, and enjoy wine and tapas. Book your tour now! - [Toledo - Ancient Capital of Spain](https://wellsoc.org/tour/day-excursions/toledo-ancient-capital-spain/) - Join our Toledo tours to explore Spain's ancient capital. Discover its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. - [Segovia - A Unesco World Heritage Site](https://wellsoc.org/tour/day-excursions/segovia/) - Experience Segovia on a day excursion from Madrid — see its Roman aqueduct, fairytale castle, Gothic cathedral, and charming historic streets. - [Hemingway in Madrid](https://wellsoc.org/tour/madrid-walking-tours/hemingway-madrid/) - Don ErnestoErnest Hemingway (Don Ernesto as he was known in Spain) was no stranger to the Spanish capital. He stayed here in the mid 1920’s, in the 30’s during the Civil War, and finally into the 1950’s following his promise to only return to Spain “When all my Spanish friends have been released from Franco’s - [Discovering Spanish Wine](https://wellsoc.org/tour/madrid-walking-tours/discovering-spanish-wine/) - Join Stephen for a tasting of wines of Spain’s many wine regions from Rioja and Ribera del Duero to the smaller less known denominations of origin, in the some of our favorite wine bars hidden in Old Madrid.Our TourThe Wellington Society offers a superb chance for wine aficionados (and those who are just out for a - [Old Madrid Underground](https://wellsoc.org/tour/madrid-walking-tours/old-madrid-underground/) - A Singular Tapa Tour of the Capital´s Ancient Underground Cellars When the Hapsburgs moved their capital from Toledo to Madrid in 1561, they embarked on a massive building project which included the impressive Plaza Mayor (officially opened in 1619). The labyrinth of underground cellars below led way over to the Alcazar and joined up with - [The Society's Quality Tapas Tour](https://wellsoc.org/tour/madrid-walking-tours/quality-tapas-tour/) - Experience Madrid’s top tapas tour with the Wellington Society. Enjoy authentic Spanish food, wine, and stories with historian Stephen Drake-Jones. - [Curiosities & Anecdotes of Old Madrid](https://wellsoc.org/tour/madrid-walking-tours/curiosities-anecdotes-old-madrid/) - This is indeed a singular tour which we offer during the day when shops and a very unusual museum are open.You will hear many amusing stories and anecdotes and some not so amusing tales in the ghostly cellars of a Hapsburg house!You visit a 1,000 year old well where a miracle was performed by Madrid´s Patron Saint.We - [Medieval Chinchón](https://wellsoc.org/tour/day-excursions/medieval-chinchon/) - Our Chinchon TourThis delightful medieval town of Chinchon with ruins of a castle looking down on it is only 45 minutes east of Madrid. Before you ask, yes we really do have a feeling of what life was like hundreds of years ago as we stroll along the quiet cobbled streets to the Plaza Mayor.The stone - [Royal Gardens of Aranjuez](https://wellsoc.org/tour/day-excursions/royal-gardens-aranjuez/) - BackgroundUndecided where to go while visiting Madrid? Come with us to the delightful Royal Gardens of Aranjuez which was a popular retreat for the Spanish Bourbon Royal family in the 18th & 19th centuries. You will find out just why it was so special. Fresh air, fountains, herb gardens, lawns, statues, the Prince’s Forest and - [Publications](https://wellsoc.org/publications/) - Discover Madrid’s Rich History with Stephen & Clare Drake-Jones’ Latest Book!Chairman Stephen Drake-Jones and his daughter, Clare Drake-Jones, proudly present their latest book: a comprehensive guide to Madrid’s fascinating history, must-see attractions, and delectable local cuisine. Each copy can be personalized with a special inscription from the authors, making it a perfect gift or keepsake.Stay - [Custom Tours Individualized To Inspire](https://wellsoc.org/custom-tours/) - Tailor-made Madrid tours led by historian Stephen Drake-Jones. Explore hidden stories, history, and enjoy wine and tapas. Customize your experience today!` - [Reservations & Cancellations](https://wellsoc.org/reservations/) - We use the personal touch for making reservations. Email is often easiest, but if you would like to phone that works too. The Chairman’s mobile is +34 609 14 3203.If you are have not made advance reservations, don’t despair. Just give a call or send and email and we will make every effort to accommodate you.Making Reservations is - [Excursions to Central Spain](https://wellsoc.org/tour/day-excursions/) - "Explore Segovia, Toledo, and more with historian Stephen Drake-Jones. Enjoy historical insights, wine, and tapas on our day excursions. - [We Tour, But We Never Bore](https://wellsoc.org/tour/) - Exclusive historical tours in Madrid led by historian Stephen Drake-Jones. Uncover hidden stories and enjoy tapas and wine. Book your tour today - [About Stephen and the Work of the Society](https://wellsoc.org/about/) - About Chairman Stephen Drake Jones Calling Stephen Drake-Jones' Madrid walking tours historic is certainly accurate, but doesn't begin to describe the experience. Stephen, Chairman of the Wellington Society of Madrid and an acknowledged expert on the Peninsular Campaigns of Wellington, is a familiar figure in the haunts of old Madrid. And his scholarship sits easily - [Popular Meeting Spots](https://wellsoc.org/tour/madrid-walking-tours/popular-meeting-spots/) - Plaza de España Puerto del Sol Plaza de Callao - [NO PASARAN! They Shall Not Pass!
Madrid During the Civil War 1936 - 1939](https://wellsoc.org/tour/madrid-walking-tours/madrid-civil-war-1936-1939/) - Background The start in the Puerta del Sol is where there were scenes of jubilation in April 1931, when the Second Republic was declared and also in July 1936, when the Civil war broke out and thousands of militia paraded through here to show their solidarity with the elected government against the military revolt supported - [BOURBON DEBAUCHERY!](https://wellsoc.org/tour/madrid-walking-tours/bourbon-debauchery/) - In the Age of Intrigue, Infidelity and Insanity - 1701 to 1931 Our new walking tour is full of drama, intrigue, murder and kings and queens in endless extra martial affairs. We have stories galore including an Anarchist who almost ruined a royal wedding by throwing a bomb at their carriage, a Jesuit who was - [Museums and Art History Tours](https://wellsoc.org/tour/museums-and-art-tours/) - Society is now offering small group tours to all the famous museums in Madrid.All are entertaining and informative with stories behind the artists´great works. The illusions, secrets and anecdotes which make the paintings come to life. From Titian, El Greco, Bosch, Velazquez & Goya to the great modern artists of Picasso, Miro & Dali.Enjoy these - [Society Member Pages](https://wellsoc.org/society-member-pages/) - The Wellington Society was founded by Stephen Drake-Jones in 1979. It is dedicated to research, education and other cultural activities concerning the Peninsular Campaign of Arthur Wellesely, Duke of Wellington.MembershipTaking a tour with us includes a 1 year membership in the Wellington Society of Madrid. Beside getting one of our nifty membership cards, your membership also entitles - [Goya's Madrid - Secrets Revealed](https://wellsoc.org/tour/madrid-walking-tours/goya-madrid/) - This is our very adventurous tour of one of Spain’s most famous painters, Francisco de Goya.We start with a visit to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, close to Puerta del Sol where Goya received his degree in 1780. This fine 18th century building houses Goya’s original etching plates from his series - [George Borrow's Madrid of 1836](https://wellsoc.org/tour/madrid-walking-tours/george-borrows-madrid-1836/) - George Henry Borrow arrived in the Spanish capital one cold January morning in 1836. When he left for the last time four years later he had enough adventure stories to write a book. THE BIBLE IN SPAIN became an instant best seller when it was first published in 1843. Borrow used Madrid as his base - [The Hapsburgs Are Coming!](https://wellsoc.org/tour/madrid-walking-tours/hapsburgs-tour/) - But don’t worry, they go away……eventually….Witty tales of the Hapsburgs, inquisition, spirits, inbreeding and bewitched monarchs. The Hapsburg’s ruled Spain for 200 years and, in 1561, moved their capital from Toledo to Madrid. Our tour is certainly a singular one with tales of inquisitions held in the great Plaza Mayor, a visit to a spirit - [UPRISING!
Madrid & The 2nd of May 1808](https://wellsoc.org/tour/madrid-walking-tours/uprising/) - On Monday morning, Second of May, 1808, large crowds had gathered in the Puerta del Sol and in front of the Royal Palace. Rumors abounded that the last of the Spanish Royal Family were about to be forced out by Napoleon’s soldiers. Suddenly knives were drawn and French blood was spilt by the angry mob. - [Drake-Jones' Madrid - THANK YOU](https://wellsoc.org/drake-jones-madrid-thank-you/) - Thanks so much for your purchase.We’ve spent almost 3 years exploring, writing and revising what we think is the most compressive and approachable book of its kind. We would love to hear what you think of the book and any additions, changes or corrections so we can make the next edition even better.Stephen and Clare - [Drake-Jones' Madrid](https://wellsoc.org/drake-jones-madrid/) - Book Price: €39.99, but we are offering you the option of paying as little as €35 or as much as it is worth to you! From The Back CoverDiscover Madrid in this unique book, covering its rich history, architecture, art, scandalous affairs, murders most foul, military conflicts, the lives and deaths of some of Spain’s - [Letters Home From The Basque Country](https://wellsoc.org/letters-home-from-the-basque-country/) - Letter Home From The Basque Country – by Stephen Drake-JonesThis is a most singular recording of the last year of the war in the north of Spain in 1813. Drake-Jones has carefully selected and edited letters & journals from Lord Wellington & twenty-two of his officers who witnessed and wrote home of the decisive Battle of Vitoria, - [Drake-Jones Madrid Order Form](https://wellsoc.org/drake-jones-madrid-order-form/) - After submission, we will review your order and send an invoice. - [Buy Books](https://wellsoc.org/buy-books/) - [wp_express_checkout product_id="2755"] - [Discovering Wines Of The Toro Region](https://wellsoc.org/tour/day-excursions/discovering-wines-of-the-toro-region/) - This is our special wine excursion to Toro with an overnight stay in this historical, quiet town. Toro is a 3 hour drive north west of Madrid, situated on the banks of the Duero River, in the Province of Zamora. The wines here are from the full-bodied, Tempranillo grape. Our host will be a long standing - [Anecdotes of Wellington](https://wellsoc.org/society-member-pages/anecdotes-of-wellington/) - MESSAGE FROM THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON TO THE BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE IN LONDON– written from Central Spain, August 1812 Gentlemen, Whilst marching from Portugal to a position which commands the approach to Madrid and the French forces, my officers have been diligently complying with your requests which have been sent by H.M.ship from London to - [Battlefield Tours](https://wellsoc.org/tour/battlefield-excursions/) - Our Battlefield Tours Are Just Right For YouWhen it comes to Peninsular War tours, there is no typical battlefield tourist. Our guests are of all ages and from different backgrounds. Some are more knowledgeable than others. Some are hoping to visit particularly battlefields, while others are looking for suggestions on how best to use their time on - [Peninsular Passion](https://wellsoc.org/welcome-to-the-wellington-society-of-madrid/peninsular-war-tours/) - Imagine the excitement of traveling with a renowned Wellingtonian Historian who has spent the his entire adult life exploring Spain and Portugal in an effort to be the foremost expert on the Peninsular War. In fact, Stephen Drake-Jones IS that person. And you can travel with him to both well known and the obscure sites - [Admin](https://wellsoc.org/admin/) - Links for The Wellington Society's webmail boxes Webmail Login Webmaster Login - [Recommended Reading](https://wellsoc.org/society-member-pages/recommended-books/) - Many of our members want to know more about Spain’s unique history over the year. For them, we include this list of books to help them learn about and better comprehend Spain’s unique and important place world history.Origins of The InquistionIn 15th Century SpainB.Netanyahu New York Review of Books 2001A massive works with over 1.200 pages (definately not one - [Sitemap](https://wellsoc.org/sitemap/) - About Stephen and the Work of the Society Admin Buy Books Custom Tours Individualized To Inspire Drake-Jones Madrid Order Form Drake-Jones’ Madrid Drake-Jones’ Madrid – THANK YOU Letters Home From The Basque Country Old Home Page Peninsular Passion Peninsular War Battlefield Tours Publications Reservations & Cancellations Sitemap Society Member Pages Anecdotes of Wellington Newsletters Recommended - [Newsletters](https://wellsoc.org/society-member-pages/newsletters/) - The Society regularly publishes newsletters highlighting important developments, events and plans. It a good way for new members to understand our work and for current members to keep up on what we are working on, Dispatches from the Chairman 2016 Highlights The University of Liverpool The John Moore class numbering 57 students and 6 Professors - [Wellington Who?](https://wellsoc.org/society-member-pages/wellington-who/) - The First Duke of Wellington The First Duke of Wellington was not, as many people think, an English gentleman but an Irish one! He was born Arthur Wellesley, on the 1st May 1769 at number 24 Upper Merion Street, Dublin. His parents were the Earls of Mornington. It was his mother, Anne Hill, Countess of ## Dynific Global Templates - [Right Sidebar for tours](https://wellsoc.org/?ae_global_templates=left-sidebar-for-tours) - CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO RESERVE YOUR TOUR All tours includeStops for drinks and tapasMembership in the Wellington Society of Madrid Membership benefits include:Help in arranging your travel through SpainHelp line on the Chairman’s cell phone (+34 609 14 32 03), 8 am to midnight 7 days a weekRecommended restaurants featuring specific regional foods such as - [Books Available](https://wellsoc.org/?ae_global_templates=elementor-1590) - Available Soon - [Reserve Button](https://wellsoc.org/?ae_global_templates=reserve-button) - Learn How To Reserve Your Tour - [NewHomeSidebar](https://wellsoc.org/?ae_global_templates=newhomesidebar) - COVID-19 UpdateWe need your help! COVID-19 is affecting us directly. Tourism is our only source of income and tourism in Spain is gone. Please consider supporting us by making a donation to The Wellington Society of Madrid. Any and all size donations are appreciated. When you donate, expect VIP treatment when this is over and - [PW Photo sidebar](https://wellsoc.org/?ae_global_templates=pw-photo-sidebar) - – ## FM Mail Verification - [Email Verification](https://wellsoc.org/fmemailverification/email-verification/) ## FM Preview - [Preview](https://wellsoc.org/form-maker/preview/)